(Ordine dei Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro). Instituted in 1434. In 18K Gold with green and white enamels, weighing 8.8 grams, unmarked, measuring 40.5 mm (w) x 41 mm (h), crazing and chipping evident in the white enamels at the junction of the arms on the reverse, original ribbon, better than very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, dark green velvet exterior, oval silvered alloy plate affixed to the lid, the plate inscribed "AL LORO ING.re CAPO - CAV. - FABIO SBRAGIA" (To the Chief Engineer - Knight Fabio Sbragia) in the centre and surrounded by the inscription "- GLI IMPIEGATI DELL' UFFICIO DEL GENIO CIVILE DI LIVORNO -" (The Employees of the Civil Engineering Office of Livorno), inside lid in dark green satin, padded and exhibiting the impression of the badge, base incorporating a raised platform in dark green felt with a recessed medal bed, measuring 83.5 mm (w) x 109 mm (h) x 25 mm (d), wear evident in the fabric overlying the hinged area, the remainder of the exterior and interior in terrific shape, case also better than very fine.
Footnote: The Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus is a Roman Catholic dynastic order of knighthood bestowed by the House of Savoy, founded in 1572 by Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, through amalgamation approved by Pope Gregory XIII of the Order of Saint Maurice, founded in 1434, with the medieval Order of Saint Lazarus, founded circa 1119, considered its sole legitimate successor. The Grand Master is Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples, since 1983. The order was formerly awarded by the Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946) with the heads of the House of Savoy as the Kings of Italy. Originally a chivalric order of noble nature, it was restricted to subjects of noble families with proofs of at least eight noble great-grandparents. The order's military and noble nature was and is still combined with a Roman Catholic character. After the abolishment of the monarchy and the foundation of the Italian Republic in 1946, the legacy of the order is maintained by the pretenders of the House of Savoy and the Italian throne in exile.